Root canal treatment (also known as endodontic therapy, endodontic treatment, or root canal therapy) is a treatment sequence for the infected pulp of a tooth which is intended to result in the elimination of infection and the protection of the decontaminated tooth from future microbial invasion.[1] Root canals, and their associated pulp chamber, are the physical hollows within a tooth that are naturally inhabited by nerve tissue, blood vessels and other cellular entities. Together, these items constitute the dental pulp.

The procedure is often complicated, depending on circumstances, and may involve multiple visits over a period of weeks.

How does a root canal treatment become required?

• The root canal can be thought of as a tunnel system, that extends from the tip of the root(s) into the Center of the crown

• Within this can canal, vessels and nerves are present in a healthy tooth

• These hard-walled tunnels are very unique in the body, such that there is very limited room for vessels to expand if there is an increase in blood flow through these vessels.

• Increased blood flow occurs during inflammation.

• Inflammation occurs as a result of 2 possible reasons:

  • Trauma – physical damage to the tooth, triggering the response

  • Infection - bacterial present where they should not be, triggering the response

• In our teeth, if this inflammation or damage is severe enough, the expansion of incoming vessels due to increased blood flow, may Actually squeeze the outgoing vessels to the extent that the blood flow is halted, and nerve cannot receive oxygenated blood.

• We feel this as sensitivity and/or pain

• If the harmful stimulus (trauma or infection) is not corrected, or initial stimulus is strong enough, the tissues will “die”

• The result of this are empty canals (tunnels) within the tooth, and if bacteria are present within them, the body has no way of entering the tooth to fight this problem.

• This may lead to “toothache” and/or abscess --> which may indicate root canal treatment.

• Empty canals in a tooth + heavy occlusion due to teeth grinding or loss of other teeth can also produce abscess formation and may require root treatment.

What happens with a root canal treatment?

• Simply put this treatment is to disinfect and seal the root canal system within the tooth

• Multiple appointments

  • disinfect (may require multiple appointments)

  • seal

• Following root canal treatment, the tooth may require post, crown or combination to provide strength to the tooths Restoration

• The alternative to root canal treatment is extraction of the tooth.

• contraindicated treatment to save the tooth, and extraction of the tooth is the only option.

• Discuss with your dentist whether this is a treatment option for you.

• Other indications for root treatment are possible, and will be advised by your dentist if necessary.

Further reading